Mastering Tech

Cheap Vivitar Stereo Headphones Vs Beats

Big, bass heavy headphones are all the rage currently. I am sure we all have heard the millions raves about Beats (formally created by Dr Dre), to Bose and even Sony has made a splash in the industry. However, they all cost a pretty penny at different levels and not everyone wants to pay $100.00 for a pair of headphones. So when I went to Target recently and was browsing their amazing dollar spot, I saw a pair of $5.00 stereo headphones that looked like the higher priced brands that I have previously listed. This of course was tempting to pick up and compare to a pair of Beats at that price point. Thus, I bought a pair and decided to test it out (or to quote Kevin from Home Alone, “I’ll give it a whirl”).

So what are the headphones I picked up? They are the Vivitar Stereo Headphones, sold at Target for $5.00 USD. I picked up the hot pink pair because this color sells out quick for Beats.

One of the first things I noticed, the packing is a lot more simple and basic. You do not get a carrying case that Beats come with and the package appears a lot cheaper. Thinner cardboard and a plastic window that shows the actual product within the box.

Speaking of cheaper, when I pulled the headphones out of the box, I noticed the fake leather is almost paper like. It reminded me of the crepe, paper streamers. It was shocking how cheap it felt and looked. It also lines the underside of the band that sits on top of your head. It feels like it will start to peel at any moment and really shows what kind of product it is. Beats has a more buttery feeling faux leather, which is less likely to peel or tear.

Now it is also important to know that it works only with the AUX audio jack. This may be a deal breaker for some, but again, most of these kind of headphones are not Bluetooth supported. They also have the wire connected to the left ear. However, with that being side it did snap into my phone well and hasn’t caused static as some others have done in the past.

Based on of those 3 things, I wasn’t too impressed. Granted, I knew what I bought and didn’t expect it to live up to high standards. However, the product did look like it was nicer quality in the box. However, that doesn’t test the purpose of the product, which is how does it sound.

Let me first start off with the fact that I am not a fan of Beats. I love a good bass pair of headphones, but these stereo or studio quality ones just don’t sound that great in my opinion. It may have to do the fact that I have sinus issues or that I just do not see the hype of these headphones. I wanted to test a cheaper pair and see if they can live up to Beats. With that being said, I can honestly say that this isn’t a bad pair. It is easily worth what I paid, and maybe even higher if they last past 6 months without breaking down.

The sound is comparable to the Beats, as it is lower volume and bass heavy. It doesn’t completely block out the sound of others around you, but it does differently make the focus be on the music. They also sit comfy on the ears and do not hurt after sitting on them for a while. Those are good selling points and do appear to be true for this Vivitar Stereo Headphones.

Who do I advise these for? If you are looking for a cheaper pair that isn’t going to last long or be an investment, this is the way to go. I would only advise them to be gifted as a stocking stuffer, a hold you over replacement, bonus gift or maybe for a kid/teen who wants a pair of Beats.